Starlight Issue 12 (Summer 2024)

Starlight

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

STAR NEWS

Thanking our teachers

STAR LETTERS

Roll of honour

STAR SPOTLIGHT

AI in education

STAR COMMUNITY

Nurturing leaders of the future

WELCOME TO STARLIGHT

Welcome to the summer 2024 edition of Starlight magazine, in which we highlight the significant milestones and achievements of our young people and staff.

As we prepare to bid farewell to our pupils after another remarkable year, this issue of Starlight gives us the chance to reflect on the many success stories of recent months and allows us to look ahead to some of the exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and Star Salford Academy have enjoyed a fruitful first year with Star – a family that is set to grow further as Star Radcliffe Academy and The Olive School, Manchester prepare to welcome their first cohorts in September.

Since the last issue of Starlight, three of our schools have achieved ‘outstanding’ ratings in their recent Ofsted inspections. This thoroughly deserved recognition for Eden Boys’ School, Bradford, Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School and Eden Boys’ School, Preston highlights Star’s continued commitment to delivering educational excellence.

Our many accomplishments would not be possible without the invaluable work of our teachers and support staff. On National Thank a Teacher Day in June, pupils and leaders across the trust paid tribute and showed their gratitude by hosting events and sending messages of thanks to the educators that light up their way.

The spark of innovation is ignited in this issue as we reflect on British Science Week, which saw pupils engage in the Star Innovator Challenge. Now in its fourth year, the annual challenge tasked pupils with investigating the theme of ‘time’. Pupils embarked on prehistoric adventures, examined how technological advances have shaped the way we live today, and looked ahead at how new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) may impact humanity in the future.

Artificial intelligence is a topic that continues to dominate discourse, with our Star Spotlight exploring the integration of AI in education and how this rapidly evolving technology is poised to shape the future of learning. Through case studies and insights from teachers, the feature examines the practical applications and possibilities of AI, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations associated with its implementation.

Despite the transformative possibilities of technology, one medium that has stood the test of time is books.

In a world dominated by screens, our World Book Day celebrations gave pupils a refreshing reminder that the power of a captivating story is truly timeless.

I hope that you find this edition of Starlight engaging and informative and that you enjoy a restful summer break. As we look forward to the new school year, I hope you share my excitement for the multitude of opportunities that lie ahead.

Together we are strong. We are Star.

SIR MUFTI HAMID

PATEL CBE Chief Executive, Star Academies

OUTSTANDING OFSTED FOR THREE MORE STAR SCHOOLS

Celebrations in abundance for Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford, Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School and Eden Boys’ School, Preston as Ofsted judge all three schools 'outstanding'.

In its first Ofsted inspection since opening in 2019, Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford has been rated as ‘outstanding’ following an inspection in February. Praising the quality of teaching and learning and the consistent commitment and support from leaders, teachers and support staff, the Ofsted report recognises the school’s ‘inclusive and ambitious approach’, its successful personal development programme, the high standard of pupil behaviour and their positive attitudes to learning. During their visit, the inspection team praised the ‘impressive’ curriculum and commented that ‘it is inclusive to all pupils. They achieve extremely well.’

Inspectors concluded that ‘staff are keen to make a difference to pupils’ and that ‘all pupils receive support to achieve qualifications that will help them in their next steps in education or training. This ambition is unwavering in providing opportunities for all pupils, regardless of their background.’

Celebrations continued as Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS) was, again, rated ‘outstanding’ in its first full Ofsted inspection since 2014. Inspectors commended the ambitious curriculum and the inclusive, aspirational opportunities available to all, stating that ‘pupils are encouraged to have the highest aspirations for their achievement and for their future careers. They are committed to their studies, showing determination and resilience. As a result, pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve exceptionally well.’

During their visit to TIBHS, Ofsted’s inspection team praised the ‘highly effective’ support provided by leaders and concluded that ‘the school is relentless in its pursuit to provide the highest quality of education.'

Eden Boys’ School, Preston also retained an ‘outstanding’ judgement in its first full Ofsted inspection since 2018. The school was praised for its supportive and encouraging culture and the ‘impressively strong sense of common purpose’, stating that pupils and staff are ‘united in their aim for each member of the school community to be the best that they can be.’

The report concluded that ‘pupils flourish in this calm and welcoming haven of learning’, and that ‘the school’s work to develop pupils’ character is exemplary.’

Star’s Teaching School Hubs strengthened by addition

of fourth centre of excellence

Four Star Academies schools have been designated as Teaching School Hubs in the latest round of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Teaching School Hub programme.

In addition to retaining the three hubs which have successfully operated in Star schools in the North West since 2021, the trust has been appointed to establish a fourth Teaching School Hub in Birmingham. The announcement will see Star run the regional hubs – centres of excellence for teacher training and development – until August 2028.

The four high-performing Star secondary schools – all rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – will support all schools in the following regions:

 Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School - Hub for Blackpool, Lancaster, Preston and Wyre

 Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College - Hub for Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale

 Eden Boys’ School, Bolton - Hub for Bolton, Bury and Rochdale

 Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham - Hub for Birmingham South Teaching School Hubs (TSH) provide high-quality professional development for teachers and school leaders at all stages of their career. They play a significant role in delivering school-based initial teacher training (ITT), the early career framework (ECF), national professional qualifications (NPQs) and appropriate body (AB) services for the induction of early career teachers.

TSHs also promote other high-quality evidence-based professional development to school leaders and teachers. As part of its high-quality professional development offer, Star will continue to work collaboratively with a breadth of respected research and CPD partners across each region, including the National Institute of Teaching and Curriculum Hubs.

We are delighted to expand our role in the Teaching School Hub network and look forward to supporting an even wider network of schools. This programme enables the purposeful collaboration, sharing of expertise and professional growth of teachers and leaders serving different communities. We look forward to continuing to work and learn alongside our partners to build on the positive foundations that have been developed at our three existing Teaching School Hubs and to develop valuable new partnerships through our new Teaching School Hub at Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham.”

SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF STAR ACADEMIES, SAID:

New Star schools in Radcliffe and Manchester to open in September

Expanding its growing network, Star Academies has added two new schools to its family, with Star Radcliffe Academy and The Olive School, Manchester set to welcome their first cohort of pupils in September.

Like all Star schools, the Greater Manchester additions will offer a broad and balanced academic curriculum along with a diverse leadership programme.

A 5-form entry, 750 place, 11-16 secondary school, Star Radcliffe Academy will help to meet the needs of Radcliffe’s growing population and contribute towards the town’s regeneration. Having been without a secondary school since 2014, following the closure of Radcliffe Riverside High School, the town is eagerly awaiting the school's arrival with the first cohort of 150 pupils joining the school in September 2024.

Paul Johnson, Principal of Star Radcliffe Academy, said:

While there is a clear need for a new secondary school in Radcliffe, it is extremely pleasing that so many local families have applied for a place for their child at Star Radcliffe Academy. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of Year 7 pupils, and to working in partnership with the local community to deliver the best possible opportunities and outcomes for the young people of Radcliffe.”

The Olive School, Manchester, opening in the Cheetham Hill area, will be a 2-form entry, 420 place, 4-11 primary school with a Muslim faith designation, welcoming applications from pupils of all faiths and none.

The school will welcome its opening intake of 60 Reception pupils in September and will continue to admit a new intake of Reception pupils at the beginning of each academic year.

Hafsha Hafeji, Principal of The Olive School, Manchester, said:

The Olive School, Manchester has been long awaited by the community of Cheetham Hill and I am delighted to be leading this new venture. We have been overwhelmed with the support and interest from parents who have chosen The Olive School for the first stage of their child’s education. We value the trust which is given to us and hope to build on this year on year as we strengthen the ties between home, school and the community. We are finalising plans for the grand opening with anticipation, energy and enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming our new families in September.”

STAR CEO SHINES A LIGHT ON AI’S POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM EDUCATION

Writing for Schools Week, Star Academies' Chief Executive, Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, shared his thoughts on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for educational excellence.

His blog on five policies that would make AI-enabled learning safe and equitable, addresses the power - and risks - of the AI advances that can amplify academic achievement and outlines how this rapidly-evolving technology must be controlled to ensure it is a force for good.

Putting AI-articulated answers to the test, Star's CEO asked ChatGPT - a chatbot and virtual assistant developed by OpenAI - for its thoughts on how an incoming UK government should create policies to support the use of AI in education. The answer was generated in under a minute.

Reviewing the chatbot's suggestions - and reflecting on the government's recently published report on Generative AI in education - Sir Mufti Hamid's blog sets out a fivepart framework outlining the necessity of matching AI’s potential to transform education with ambitious policies to ensure its benefits are shared and its risks mitigated.

Calling on the government to develop quality training materials for teachers and school leaders on how to make safe and effective use of AI to support learning, reduce workload and manage data, he also extols the benefits of AI tutors to address that 'too many children, disproportionately from the most deprived communities, lack access to consistently good quality teaching during their time at school'.

Whilst emphatically not advocating for AI superseding human interaction, his vision that 'by the end of this decade, every child should have an AI tutor from the age of five' is part of the proposed plan to embrace techdriven change to equip future leaders and eradicate educational inequality.

To find out how Star Academies is exploring the use of AI in education, read our Star Spotlight article here

WORLD BOOK DAY AWASH WITH WONDER IN A CELEBRATION OF WORDS

The annual celebration of reading saw swathes of creativity with colourful characters brought to life through dance, drama, decoration and discussion.

Young readers revelled in the celebration as, in a world often dominated by screens, World Book Day provided a refreshing reminder of the timeless power of storytelling to captivate, educate and inspire readers of all ages. Book fairs and book swap initiatives were in full swing across Star schools with the love of reading extending far beyond schools’ lively libraries.

Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy kicked off World Book Day with a morning visit from the Bradford Story Bus, whilst pupils at The Olive School, Bolton and The Olive School, Small Heath settled down with their novels as part of pyjama and bedtime story sessions.

For Eden Boys' School, Preston, an exploration of language and literature was on the menu - discovering books in French, Arabic and Urdu and enjoying international versions of much-loved classics including the 19th-century English fairy tale, 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' and Roald Dahl's 'James and the Giant

Spreading their love of literature from the classroom to the community, Year 6 pupils from Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy visited the school nursery, reading to their younger classmates. Meanwhile, Eden Girls' School, Slough visited a local primary to ignite imagination in younger readers and Bay Leadership Academy pupils wrapped and gifted books for their Community Book Drop.

Creativity cascaded down the corridors as schools fashioned dazzling displays to celebrate their favourite characters and books. At Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, pupils enjoyed a challenge to decorate their form room door in a literary themeturning one door into a giant chocolate 'Wonka Bar' in homage to Roald Dahl's eccentric chocolate factory proprietor. Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School explored the versatility of vegetables as they transformed potatoes into their favourite literary 'Charac-Taters' and Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy expanded their focus from authors to illustrators with a special workshop honouring the artists that bring stories to life.

Eden Boys' School, Bolton celebrated World Book Day with a focus on female writers - learning about key female voices in literature including Malorie Blackman, Meera Syal and JK Rowling. The school also celebrated one of its own published authors, hearing from Assistant Principal Dr Catherine Barker who has penned a thesis published by the University of Liverpool.

Welcoming writers and guest speakers was a common theme across Star schools, with pupils participating in a number of special events where curiosity bloomed and books beckoned. Eden Girls' School, Coventry enjoyed a visit from Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, who discussed her book on Muslim women's history in Britain. Carnegie award-winning author, Katya Balen, led a workshop on creative writing for pupils at Eden Girls' School, Slough. Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest welcomed awardwinning poet Jaspreet Kaur, who inspired Year 7 pupils with her journey to become a published writer.

The Olive School, Preston enjoyed a special assembly and writing workshop from Bolton-based author Hafiza Issa, whose novel 'Earmuffs to the Moon' raises awareness of autism. Poised with a pen, talented young writer Saarah Alum held a special signing event at The Olive School, Small Heath for a book she began writing during Covid at only eight years old.

Visiting High Crags Primary Leadership Academy as part of their focus on sporting heroes, former Invictus Games participant Sean Gaffney put pupils through their paces in an active adventure course. Pupils at The Olive School, Blackburn heard from Shabana Hussain, who gave magical readings from her faith-inspired children’s books.

Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy welcomed award-winning authors Sarah Morrell and Rashmi Sirdeshpande, and enjoyed a performance of 'The Secret Garden' from M&M Theatrical Productionsadapted from the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel. Also exploring books through performance, Starbank School pupils dazzled in a dance workshop, 'Bringing Books to Life', from professionals at West End in Schools.

Prose-inspired performance continued as pupils and staff at Highfield Leadership Academy got into character for the school's Masked Reader competition. Inspired by The Masked Singer television show, competitors read excerpts from their favourite books with everyone desperate to discover who was behind the disguise.

With celebrations extending far beyond the pages, and the day itself, immersion into World Book Day is a universally popular part of Star Academies' commitment to creating a world-class book culture. Our successful Star Readers scheme, promoting the joys of reading and instilling a love of literature has been highly praised in Ofsted reports and continues to ensure that characters not only leap off the pages but also into the hearts of our pupils. Here’s to many more chapters...

STAR'S STRATEGY INFLUENCES DEVELOPMENTS 'DOWN UNDER'

Grattan Institute, an independent think tank focused on Australian public policy, has studied Star Academies' model for success as part of a report advocating for the Australian government to adopt multi-school organisation (MSO) models

The report, 'Spreading success: Why Australia should trial multi-school organisations', details how effective MSOs – or multi-academy trusts, as they are known in the UK – increase the odds of school improvement and aims to address current challenges in the Australian school sector.

To investigate the opportunities for improvement created by MSOs, researchers conducted case studies of six high-performing school trusts in the USA and England, including Star Academies.

For their case study, the Grattan team conducted interviews and focus groups with staff in both Star's central office and its schools, analysed pupil data

and reviewed documentation, including school improvement strategies and curriculum materials. The report outlines Star's origins, impact and how our position as a multi-academy trust aids school improvement, stating that 'Star has had remarkable success in helping children succeed'.

Hoping to replicate the same successes in the Australian education systems, the report highlights how MSOs are 'strong ‘families’ of schools, bound together through a united executive leadership' and concludes that 'Australia should trial multi-school organisations, to give schools a better shot at improving student performance'.

Star CEO to Co-Chair Commission on Countering Online Conspiracy in Schools

Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, joins Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair of the Pears Foundation, as Co-Chair of a pioneering new Commission.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the challenges it presents. The rise of social media and the rapid spread of misinformation online have created fertile ground for conspiracy theories and, with young people immersed in a digital world where information flows unchecked, they are increasingly exposed to harmful narratives.

In response to this pressing issue, the Commission on Countering Online Conspiracy in Schools - launched by the Pears Foundation and Public First - has kicked off perhaps the biggest ever inquiry into how online conspiracy theories, as well as misinformation and disinformation, are manifesting in the classroom.

DISCUSSING HIS NEW ROLE AS CO-CHAIR, SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE SAID:

School leaders and teachers know just how pressing an issue online conspiracy and misinformation has become in the lives of the young people we educate. But we need to know more about the problem, and how we, as educators, can support our students to better understand the stories they are presented with, and differentiate them from reality. I hope the Commission will make a substantial contribution to this cause.”

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME FOR BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK

As British Science Week celebrated its 30th anniversary, Star Academies launched its fourth annual Star Innovator Challenge, designed to ignite young people’s minds and spark an interest in science through research, investigation and discovery. Aligned with the British Science Week theme of 'time,' the challenge was embraced by budding scientists across Star primary and secondary schools, forming part of a broader celebration of science, engineering, technology and maths.

In the Reception and Key Stage 1 category, pupils embarked on a prehistoric adventure, uncovering the mysteries of dinosaurs and learning how time has transformed our world since the Triassic period.

Key Stage 2 pupils investigated how an item used in our daily lives, such as a telephone or computer, has evolved over time and how human behaviour has adapted as a result.

For secondary school pupils (Key Stage 3 and 4), their challenge was to delve into the virtual world of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how it is already shaping our everyday lives and how they envisage the technology could advance in the future.

The judges were overwhelmed by the quality of pupils’ work and the breadth of talent, knowledge and creativity on display. After much deliberation, they selected a winner and three runners-up in each age category.

Taking home first prize in the Key Stage 1 challenge was Eesa Khan from The Olive School, Bolton. Eesa submitted an informative video about dinosaurs and confidently answered a number of challenging questions about the prehistoric creatures.

The Key Stage 2 winner was Maryam Girach from The Olive School, Blackburn, who created an innovative model called ‘The Lightbulb Moment’. Maryam accompanied the model with a detailed insight into Thomas Edison’s pioneering invention which has since lit up the world.

In Key Stage 3, the winner was Hafsa Baqoush from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College. Hafsa wrote an imaginative story of how time is no longer measured by the sun and the seasons, but by the gentle hum of an AI robot, Aria, who is both a personal assistant and companion.

Eden Girls’ School, Coventry pupil, Maryam Wehbeh was the winner of

the Key Stage 4 competition. She submitted a well-researched, balanced interpretation of the future benefits and risks of AI in society.

For a full list of winners, click here.

British Science Week is always a highly anticipated event at Star and this year was no exception. In Star primary schools, each year group worked on a different topic around the theme of ‘time’, such as ‘Our Planet Through Time’ and ‘Boats Through Time’. Each lesson utilised Star’s ‘Working Scientifically Skills’ and various scientific enquiry skills, whilst also being linked to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to improve the world by 2030.

The youngest pupils at Starbank School took an imaginative journey to the ancient African Savannah, uncovering a diverse array of animals. Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy's Reception class unearthed their inner palaeontologists, digging for fossils and discovering a treasure trove of ancient secrets buried in time.

At High Crags Primary Leadership Academy, Year 1 pupils became fruit detectives, meticulously observing and documenting how cut fruit changes over time as it decomposes. Class 3HR set sail on an adventure, diving into the evolution of boats. The young shipbuilders enthusiastically designed and built their own vessels, testing their buoyancy and durability in hands-on experiments.

Young scientists from The Olive School, Blackburn were captivated by the ‘dancing raisins’ experiment, watching in awe as carbon dioxide bubbles caused their raisins to twirl and swirl in lemonade. Meanwhile, Year 2 pupils embraced the challenge of creating marble runs from recycled materials, meticulously refining their designs to achieve an exhilarating 15-second descent.

Year 4 pupils from Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy transformed into ice-cold

investigators for their ‘Frozen in Time’ theme, exploring various substances suitable for use as de-icers. Drawing upon insights from experiments they conducted with different types of water and materials, they successfully formulated their own ecofriendly, fast-acting and cost-effective de-icing solutions.

The Olive School, Small Heath steamed full throttle into British Science Week, exploring the fascinating evolution of trains over time. The budding Year 5 engineers put their creativity and ingenuity to the test as they got hands-on with circuitry and building materials, crafting their own moving trains. To conclude science week with a flourish, pupils dressed up as scientists and enthusiastically showcased their projects at an impressive science exhibition.

Pupils at Star secondary schools also embraced the spirit of science week, delving into a multitude of intriguing topics with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Igniting a passion for chemistry, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham hosted Year 4 and 5 pupils from The Olive School, Birmingham for some fiery fun. They conducted ‘Flame Test’ experiments with Bunsen burners in the science labs, observing the vibrant hues produced by different elements.

At Star Salford Academy and Eden Girls’ School, Coventry, Year 7 pupils gained first-hand insight into the world of engineering as they took the plunge into rollercoaster design. They navigated the twists and turns of mechanics by experimenting with different factors such as gravity, friction and acceleration to ensure they were on the right track with their designs.

Exploring genetics, pupils at Eden Boys’ School, Preston designed their own DNA models, replicated in 3D using pipe cleaners and beads. In addition to these molecular masterpieces, they took part in interactive experiments and hands-on workshops, tackling STEM challenges that sparked

their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Budding Year 8 scientists at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School took engineering to new heights, constructing towering spaghetti skyscrapers. Year 9 detectives explored the intricate world of crime scene investigation, uncovering the science of fingerprinting, blood typing, and fibre and droplet analysis, piecing together clues with the precision of seasoned sleuths.

Pupils from Year 10 focused on the principles of design and structure during a Dyson challenge, where they had to think outside the box to design and build a functioning chair from cardboard.

Year 9 pupils from Eden Boys’ School, Bolton ventured to Manchester Museum, immersing themselves in experiments and challenges and speaking with scientists and researchers about their current projects.

British Science Week at Star Schools was a resounding success, leaving pupils inspired, engaged and eagerly anticipating next year's scientific adventures. The future is certainly bright with these young scientists leading the way!

RECOGNISING REMARKABLE ROLE MODELS ON NATIONAL

Thank a Teacher Day

Each year, Thank a Teacher Day shines a spotlight on the tireless commitment and dedication shown by every individual making a positive difference in the education community.

The annual celebrations recognise the impact that teachers and school staff have in shaping the minds and futures of our young people, and acknowledges the hard work and commitment everyone working in early years education, schools and sixth forms across the UK.

The Star family is fortunate to boast over two thousand role models who contribute daily to the success and wellbeing of children and young people, and who work tirelessly to ensure they not only progress academically but also grow in character.

At Star, we celebrate the successes and impact of our fantastic family all year round, and Thank a Teacher Day provides a prominent opportunity to show our appreciation for the important contribution our colleagues make to the lives of over 20,000 young people every year.

Across Star schools, teachers were celebrated with a delightful assortment of treats to express pupils’ gratitude – from cakes and fruit platters to gift hampers and thank you cards.

Primary school pupils recited a passionately-penned poem and shared their sentiments in stanzas - thanking every member of their school staff for being a 'bright shining star'.

In the midst of exam season, Star's secondary scholars took time out of their studies to share messages of thanks, applause and appreciation to ensure that every member of their school community knew how highly they are regarded, respected and recognised.

View Star’s Thank a Teacher Day video here

We want to say thank you

For all that you do

For the big things and small things

We're grateful to you

Thank you for being

Our learning and light

Every day we're in school

Your support shines so bright

With wisdom and care

You light up our way

Thank you for always Brightening our day

Thank you for guiding Our journey so far

Thank you for being Our bright shining star

EXPLORING FAITH THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Young people are growing up with an ever-expanding array of technological tools at their fingertips – from smartphones and games consoles to virtual reality headsets and interactive apps. Harnessing the power of this technology in education can enrich learning and provide opportunities to captivate and intrigue pupils, particularly in subjects such as religious education which include the exploration of historical events. Virtual reality (VR) has the power to transport pupils to ancient civilisations and significant moments in time, while augmented reality (AR) can bring religious teachings and cultural traditions to life in vivid, engaging ways.

As part of their GCSE Computer Science curriculum, Year 11 pupils from Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS) have taken a pioneering approach to technological integration through their unique 'Immersive Islam' project. This innovative project has not only provided pupils with practical skills in the gametech industry and equipped them with essential skills for the future but has also deepened their understanding of their cultural heritage and the origins of Islam.

Pupils’ technical talents were channelled during weekly interactive workshops, utilising industry-leading software Unity – typically reserved for higher education and industry professionals. This powerful development platform has been used in international best-selling games such as Call of Duty and in the highest-grossing animated film of all time, 2019's remake of The Lion King.

Through meticulous research in collaboration with Islamic scholars, pupils crafted historically accurate VR and AR experiences that encapsulated five key events from the Prophet's life (pbuh), known as Seerah. Fusing faith with futuristic vision, they brought to life pivotal moments such as The First Revelation, Hijrah/Migration, Conquest of Makkah, Treaty at Hudaybiyyah and the Farewell Pilgrimage and Final Sermon.

These virtual worlds were showcased at the school’s ‘Immersive Islam’ event, attended by the local MP, industry experts, governors, parents and members of the local community. Guests were able to test-drive the technology, experiencing history brought to life in vivid detail.

Exploring historical moments from different cultures encourages understanding and appreciation of others’ beliefs and values. Kate Hollern, MP for Blackburn, commented: “I think the more people get a real understanding of different faiths and cultures, the more tolerant people become.” Ms Hollern also

praised the students and staff at TIBHS for their enthusiasm in engaging with the local community and promoting Blackburn's rich cultural diversity.

By immersing pupils in cutting-edge technology and intertwining it with their faith, TIBHS has not only opened up new horizons for the pupils but has also set a precedent for faith-based technological exploration in education. The 'Immersive Islam' event stands as a testament to the school's commitment to innovation, community engagement and the holistic development of its pupils, preparing them to be well-rounded individuals in both their spiritual and professional lives.

To hear more about the project, you can watch the video here

This project is so incredibly impressive… The internet itself will be revolutionised with these technologies in the long term and already these young men have been skilled up in this technology ready for that time. This is world class. This is cutting edge. This is the first of its kind in many, many ways."

Simon Benson, Inventor of PlayStation VR and Director of Immersive Technology at IN4 Group

STAR LETTERS ROLL OF HONOUR

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are at the heart of everything we do and we encourage members of our Star family to demonstrate them at every opportunity.

Individuals who have exemplified our STAR values can be nominated at any point in the academic year to receive a Star Letter (a personal letter of congratulations from the trust’s Chief Executive, Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE). The Star Letters scheme recognises the outstanding accomplishments of pupils and staff and gives schools and the trust an opportunity to share success stories across the Star community.

In our Roll of Honour, we celebrate those who have received Star Letters this academic year.

PUPILS

JOSH KISEGE AND CLAYTON ROTHERY - YEAR 8, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Demonstrated kindness and compassion towards an elderly resident with dementia who they found distressed and disorientated in the community. Josh and Clayton’s actions were calm, comforting and decisive and they exhibited great maturity in dealing with a difficult situation.

KEELAN AND RIAN CONEY-MOHAMED - YEARS 7 AND 9, EDEN BOYS’ SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM

Displayed exceptional commitment and compassion to support the school’s charitable projects. Brothers Keelan and Rian generously volunteered their time during the half-term holidays to raise awareness of various appeals in their local community.

HAFEZ ABDULLAH UMAR – YEAR 9, TAUHEEDUL ISLAM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Demonstrated dedication and commitment to mastering the Qur’aan – reflected in his monumental effort of reciting all 30 parts from memory in a single day – a truly commendable feat.

GRACE MACGEE – YEAR 10, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

On her way into school, Grace encountered a member of the public having an epileptic seizure at the bus stop. She remained calm and called an ambulance, staying with the man until medical assistance arrived.

MUHAMMAD KARBHARI – YEAR 13, TAUHEEDUL ISLAM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Winner of The High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award 2024. Muhammad received the award for the inception and success of his social business model Uniformity – addressing the need for affordable school uniforms while promoting environmental sustainability and community outreach.

HAMZAH HASSAN – YEAR 11, TAUHEEDUL ISLAM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Hamzah’s work as a volunteer Police Cadet and dedication to various projects with IMO Charity and Blackburn Youth Zone highlight his commendable commitment to community service and civic engagement. Furthermore, Hamzah’s active involvement in initiatives such as the Youth Justice Service Turnaround programme, Safer Streets project, and Blackburn with Darwen Young People's Service (YPS) Youth Forum and Strategic Youth Alliance, reinforces his dedication to represent the voices of his peers and advocate for decisions that enhance the lives of other young people.

BUSHRA CHATTI – YEAR 5, THE OLIVE SCHOOL, SMALL HEATH

Through ongoing pastoral support and engagement at school, Bushra drastically improved her attendance from 83% to 97%.

She has made remarkable progress in her academic pursuits which is a testament to her newfound enthusiasm for learning and commitment to her education.

STAFF

STEPHEN MCBRIDE - CLEANER, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Stephen goes above and beyond to ensure that the school is always presented in the best possible condition. No request is too much trouble, and he generously volunteered his own time to prepare the Year 7 block to a high standard so that pupils have pride in their new school.

SHERAZ ALI - DIRECTOR OF LEARNING MFL, EDEN GIRLS' LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, MANCHESTER

Sheraz’s dedication, passion and enthusiasm for promoting the Urdu language and its rich cultural heritage has been unwavering and has made a significant impact, culminating with a commendation from the Pakistani High Commission and Punjab University.

STACEY CANTLEY - VICE PRINCIPAL, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Stacey’s presence at the school has been truly transformative, bringing fresh ideas and insights which have instigated improvements and inspired others. Her commitment to high standards and passion for coaching others has benefitted both staff and pupils, positively impacting their prospective outcomes.

HANAN MASOOD - YEAR 3 CLASS TEACHER, THE OLIVE SCHOOL, SMALL HEATH

Hanan’s commitment to nurturing and supporting each child in her care is evident in every aspect of her work. She embodies the qualities of an outstanding teacher – caring, attentive, fair, fun, inspiring and motivational.

MICHAEL YATES - SITE SUPERVISOR, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Michael can put his hand to anything, including work on the new on-site inspiration centre. The work required specialist skills and Michael volunteered his expertise to complete these tasks. He also worked additional hours to ensure the project was completed in time.

MERYL BOWDELL - VICE PRINCIPAL, OULDER HILL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Meryl’s impressive efforts to improve behaviour standards at the school and her ability to establish clear routines and create a positive learning environment has had a profound impact on both pupils and staff. Her enthusiasm, drive, and unwavering support have been invaluable in maintaining momentum within the team and fostering a collaborative spirit within the school community.

HELEN RILEY - CLASS TEACHER, LKS2 PHASE LEADER & ENGLISH LEAD, HIGH CRAGS PRIMARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Helen has implemented numerous reading initiatives which have led to the school being recognised by the National Literacy Trust; from securing 500 free books through the ‘World of Stories’ project and developing ‘Reader and Writer of the Half Term’ awards to improving the school’s library and organising visits from authors and poets.

SHAUN ROGERSON - ESTATES MANAGER, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Shaun used his knowledge from his 30+ years as a commercial and domestic builder to lead on the new on-site inspiration centre. The work required specialist skills that would usually have to be sub-contracted however Shaun saved the school time and money by doing the work himself.

MOJAMMIL ALI - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, THE OLIVE SCHOOL, SMALL HEATH

Colleagues say that one of Mojammil’s greatest strengths lies in his unwavering dedication to the success and wellbeing of our pupils. His commitment to their progression and achievement – both academically and pastorally – is truly admirable and has undoubtedly made a positive impact on their lives.

UTHMAAN VALI - HEAD OF YEAR: SIXTH FORM AND CAREERS LEAD, TAUHEEDUL ISLAM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Uthmaan’s efforts in coordinating visits from external providers, engaging with external agencies, and organising bespoke industry days and work experience visits, have provided pupils with invaluable insights and opportunities to explore their career aspirations.

RICHARD WILLSHAW - VICE PRINCIPAL, SMALL HEATH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Richard has consistently demonstrated passion, determination, and diligence in his role as Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare Lead, and as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. His swift response and support to a first aid emergency exemplified his compassionate nature and ability to remain calm under pressure and undoubtedly saved a life.

LAUREN BOWMER, JADE DOOLING, CARLA GOODEY, HELEN MEREDITH, MANDY NEYLON, BECKIE CHILTON, ROMESA BIBI, CAROL ROWLEY, SARA LOUNT, HUMAIRA AZHAR, IQRAA ZEINUB AND AMY INCE – EYFS TEAM, HIGH CRAGS PRIMARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The outstanding provision offered by the EYFS team provides a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment where children can learn new skills and develop independence. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the EYFS team, every pupil develops a secure and stable foundation for their educational journey.

EMMA SPOONER - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Emma’s expertise and guidance in implementing new systems has significantly improved attendance and the behavioural culture at the school, creating an environment where pupils feel safe, respected and motivated to excel both academically and personally.

SIN WAI KONG - LEARNING COACH, THE OLIVE SCHOOL, SMALL HEATH

An innovative and engaging approach to lessons and use of dynamic resources have transformed her classroom atmosphere into one where every pupil is captivated and eager to learn.

FROM ALGORITHMS TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Exploring the role of AI in the classrooms of tomorrow

Imagine a world where every teacher has a personal assistant that can instantly generate lesson plans, create engaging resources, and even provide real-time answers to pupils' questions. This isn't science fiction - it's the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. As AI technology advances, it is poised to revolutionise the way we teach and learn, offering unprecedented opportunities for both pupils and teachers. However, the integration of AI in education is not without its challenges. In this article, we explore how schools are using AI to enhance educational outcomes and streamline their workloads while ensuring integration in a safe, responsible and ethical way.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

Artificial intelligence refers to advanced technology that enables computer systems to perform complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, decision making and problem solving.

At the simplest level, machine learning uses algorithms trained on data sets to create machine learning models that allow computer systems to generate content and perform a wide variety of tasks. Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include digital assistants (such as Siri and Alexa), customer service chatbots, Google Translate and generative AI (GenAI) tools such as Chat GPT.

AI IN EDUCATION

Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our generation - and now is the time to safely bring its vast benefits to schools. From creating timetables and lesson resources, to supporting students with personalised feedback, AI has the power to cut workloads and improve young people’s education.”

Tom Nixon, Director of Government at

Faculty AI

To better understand how AI can be used to assist teachers and to improve outcomes for pupils, Star Academies and Eton College – alongside several other multi-academy trusts – have partnered to form The Artificial Intelligence in Schools Initiative (AISI). The main role of this group is to set clear guidelines to ensure the ethical use of AI in schools, ensuring all implementations are safe, transparent and firmly focused on the best interests of our young people.

In a bid to unlock the benefits of AI, the AISI, in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE), Faculty AI, ImpactEd and the National Institute of Teaching, hosted the first ‘Education Hackathon’, bringing together teachers, leaders and secondary pupils from schools and trusts across England. Government representatives were also in attendance, including Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan and Academies Minister Baroness Barran.

Participants at the two-day event were asked to experiment with AI to test its potential in several scenarios, for example whether it could write a lesson plan or accurately mark exam papers. Technology experts led thought-provoking workshops to identify the different ways that AI could be utilised to assist with the challenging and time-consuming tasks teachers often face.

The hackathon taught me different ways of exploring how appropriate prompts are key to securing useful output from AI. It’s incredibly useful to support with administrative tasks including letter generation and project summaries.”

Yasmin Manzoor, Vice Principal and Artificial Intelligence Lead at Small Heath Leadership Academy

We explored the use of AI to support senior leaders with writing documents for strategic and operational development. It has huge potential to reduce teacher workload and produce effective resources that will develop and enhance pupils’ learning.”

Enass Al-Ani, Executive Principal at Small Heath Leadership Academy

Pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest and Small Heath Leadership Academy were invited to the event to provide valuable feedback on AI tools from a pupil perspective. Their involvement helped to highlight the practical benefits and potential impact of AI on their learning experiences.

We attended the hackathon event to explore the current possibilities and limitations of AI. It may not be able to replace teachers with robots, but it has proved to be an efficient means to help with little things like generating basic revision materials.”

Zainab Imran, Year 10 pupil

AI TO SUPPORT TEACHERS

Demos of the most effective GenAI tools from the Hackathon were made available to pilot schools - including three Star Academies schools – allowing teachers to further experiment with AI and discover its capabilities in a real-world context.

Star’s pilot schools were given access to four AI tools:

TEACHMATEAI

TeachMateAI is a collection of AI-powered tools designed to create custom teaching resources and streamline various aspects of a teacher’s work.

TEACHERMATIC

Similarly to TeachMateAI, TeacherMatic’s AI generators act like personal assistants for teachers. They make creating classroom materials easy by automatically making things like worksheets, quizzes and lesson plans.

Teachers reported several ways that they felt they had benefitted from the use of these tools, as well as providing some useful feedback and areas for improvement.

 CREATING RESOURCES: Teachers at pilot schools described using GenAI to generate creative ideas to teach a course, concept or topic, such as to provide a teaching methodology, activity or experiment. They also used GenAI to create or enhance teaching resources, including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, worksheets, images, model answers and quizzes. The tools were perceived to produce good quality outputs, or at least produce a first version of a resource that teachers could improve upon.

 ‘LIVE’ USE IN LESSONS: GenAI enhanced pupil engagement with dynamic and interactive learning experiences during lessons and the ‘ask an expert’ tool offered instant, expert-level responses to pupils’ questions in real-time.

GAMMA

With its advanced AI capabilities, Gamma AI effortlessly generates polished and professional PowerPoint presentations from text that teachers can refine and customise without the need for extensive formatting.

OLEX.AI

Olex.AI harnesses generative AI to provide a full suite of tools for teaching, marking and providing feedback on written assignments from primary to GCSE level.

I have utilised AI to generate PowerPoint slides for lessons and found it easy and straightforward to use. I provide the content and the program enriches my presentations and makes them more engaging.”

Edward Lee, Geography Teacher at Small Heath Leadership Academy

I had never used AI before in my teaching. I mainly use TeachMateAI to generate quizzes and short activities to introduce a topic or recap what pupils have learned. The ‘ask an expert’ tool was one of my favourites, but the resources produced by AI can feel a bit monotonous which is something that could be improved on.”

Berta Janine Munteanu, Geography Teacher at Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest

CASE STUDY: STARBANK SCHOOL

Improving pupil engagement with TeacherMatic

Teachers at Starbank School had unlimited access to TeacherMatic, using tools like the 'ask an expert' generator to produce engaging opinions and perspectives. The responses – created in the tone and style of historical figures and famous people, including King Charles II and Professor Brian Cox – enriched pupils' British Science Week investigations. Teaching staff concluded that the ‘ask an expert’ tool improved pupil engagement and was of great benefit. They suggested the tool could be utilised within science, history and English units, but noted limitations in mathematical symbols and numbers, impacting its applicability in maths.

 TIME-SAVING TOOLS: Teachers using GenAI tools in their role felt they were able to save time by automating tasks. Quicker idea generation, content creation and lesson planning led to significant time savings for some – though time was still required to check and edit outputs.

GenAI tools were also used to support and automate a wide range of administrative processes, including writing letters and emails. For others, it improved their work-life balance by reducing the time taken to complete repetitive tasks.

 PROVIDING FEEDBACK AND GENERATING REPORTS:

One group of teachers experimented with a GenAI tool to mark pupils’ work, assessing whether it could accurately identify errors and provide relevant feedback.

From editing news articles to reflect different reading ages, to generating structured questions from YouTube videos, AI allows me to save time and lighten the cognitive load by producing resources in an instant and speeding up admin tasks.”

Hannah Burston, Geography Teacher at Small Heath Leadership Academy

I was excited to use GenAI to create resources for pupils and found it easy to prompt and remodel the responses which gave me a great starting point for parts of my lessons.”

Mohtasham Sheikh, Computer Science Teacher at Small Heath Leadership Academy

CASE STUDY: STARBANK SCHOOL

Olex.AI

A teacher focus group typed sample pupil work into the program, which was then analysed, generating 3 reports: a short, pupil-friendly feedback report; next step targets with a follow-on task; and a longer, more in-depth teacher feedback report.

The group spent a session exploring the computer-generated reports, looking at how accurate and useful the feedback was as well as marking the work themselves to make comparisons. The AI output provided was deemed to be of a good standard, however, the group did feel that the way in which written pieces were inputted into the program needed to be further explored, as scanning books in daily would be impractical and time-consuming.

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AI FOR PUPILS

 PERSONALISED LEARNING: GenAI enables teachers to quickly tailor teaching resources according to a particular pupil’s needs and learning style, producing personalised study and revision plans based on their level and performance.

 ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: Assistive technology powered by AI can provide tailored support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It can offer personalised interventions and resources that cater to individual requirements, promoting inclusivity in the classroom.

 ENGAGING LEARNING EXPERIENCES: GenAI can create interactive and engaging content such as games, quizzes and simulations that inspire pupils and make learning more fun and dynamic. AI can also power virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, providing immersive learning environments for subjects like history, science and geography.

 ACCESS TO VIRTUAL TUTORS: AI-powered tutors offer one-on-one tutoring tailored to the pupil's pace and level of understanding. AI tutors are available anytime, allowing pupils to get help whenever they need it, whether during evening study sessions or weekends.

 IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK: GenAI tools can provide instant feedback on assignments, coursework, essays and other written work. This timely feedback helps pupils understand their mistakes and immediately learn from them, promoting continuous improvement.

 SKILL DEVELOPMENT: AI integrates into curriculum activities that develop critical thinking and problem-solving. In an age where misinformation can easily spread, it is crucial for pupils to develop the skills necessary to identify inaccuracies and inconsistencies in what they see and read online.

 PREPARATION FOR FUTURE CAREERS: Experts emphasise the importance of adapting education systems to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for an AI-enabled world. This shift isn't just about embracing new technology – it's about ensuring that today's pupils are ready for tomorrow's opportunities.

Even though it is in its early days, I think AI will have a huge impact on education and its ability to help me to provide bespoke support to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in science is invaluable.”

Ruth Wafi, Science Teacher at Small Heath Leadership Academy I utilised GenAI in my history lessons to create false sources of information, specifically an AI generated text about the Roman Empire. Our young historians then had to investigate the reliability of the source, comparing it with a trusted text. This helped pupils to grasp the nature, purpose and origin of credible sources and how to identify false information.”

Alishah Ali, History Teacher at Small Heath Leadership Academy

CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS

While AI presents significant benefits, it also introduces challenges that must be addressed to ensure its safe and effective integration in education.

ONLINE SAFETY AND SECURITY: One primary concern revolves around the safety and security of users, particularly ensuring that pupils are shielded from accessing or generating inappropriate content through AI platforms. The teaching of a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum is fundamental in giving all pupils the foundational knowledge required to use emerging technologies such as GenAI in a safe, responsible and effective way.

ACADEMIC MALPRACTICE: There are concerns across the education sector about the potential for pupils to misuse AI tools for tasks such as writing essays, which raises issues of plagiarism. To combat this, AI-powered detection and tracking tools can be utilised to identify similarities between pupil submissions and AI-generated content. Pupils should also understand the consequences of cheating and the importance of honesty, integrity and ethical use of AI.

THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: AI offers 24/7 personalised support, which is especially beneficial for pupils with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the risk of exacerbating the digital divide exists if access to necessary technology, such as compatible devices and stable internet, is not universally available. Efforts must focus on ensuring equitable access to these tools for all pupils..

TRAINING: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools presents another challenge, requiring educators to stay informed about their potential applications and alignment with effective pedagogical practices. Comprehensive training in digital literacy, AI literacy and ethical use of AI is essential, with some teachers advocating for accredited GenAI training to be integrated into both Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses.

ACCURACY: Concerns have been raised about the accuracy and potential biases in AIgenerated outputs. To harness the potential of GenAI, a ‘human in the loop’ is required – someone to present it with the right information and to sense-check the results that it generates. AI tools can make certain tasks quicker and easier but cannot replace the judgement and deep subject knowledge of a teacher.

Addressing these challenges requires thoughtful planning and collaboration, including clear policies and guidelines, ongoing research, and ethical considerations embedded into the design and implementation of AI technologies. By proactively facing these challenges, schools can maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks and ensuring equitable and effective educational experiences for all pupils.

THE FUTURE OF AI IN EDUCATION

As GenAI is increasingly integrated into existing digital tools and platforms, it is anticipated that the technology will continue to improve in performance and capability, gradually becoming ubiquitous in everyday life. Over the last two decades, schools have seamlessly integrated numerous innovations, such as interactive whiteboards, digital textbooks, online learning platforms and educational apps, transforming traditional classrooms into tech-savvy learning environments. These once novel technologies are now indispensable tools, enhancing pupil engagement and learning outcomes.

AI, like its predecessors, holds the potential to become a staple in schools, with a focus on enhancing, rather than replacing, the human elements of teaching. However, AI will never be a substitute for teachers’ professional judgement and the personal relationships they have with their pupils.

At Star, we will continue to research, pilot and integrate AI responsibly and safely across our schools, establishing robust support and training to ensure its effective implementation. Embracing AI will empower our pupils and enhance our teachers’ ability to inspire and engage their classes, allowing them to focus on what they do best – teaching and nurturing the next generation.

NOW RE-READ THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THIS ARTICLE (p.18). WOULD YOU HAVE GUESSED IT WAS WRITTEN BY CHATGPT?

THE OLIVE SCHOOL, SMALL HEATH

Much Ado About SHAKESPEARE!

Year 6 pupils from The Olive School, Small Heath travelled to the historic Stratford-upon-Avon to discover more about the brilliant Bard.

Stepping into the site of Shakespeare's family home, pupils were able to experience the wonder of William Shakespeare in special sessions organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Learning more about the poet and playwright's enduring impact on literature and culture, pupils shared their newfound knowledge as they helped to guide members of the public around the house and museum.

Shahida Boksh, KS2 Director of Learning for The Olive School, Small Heath, said: “It was inspirational to watch pupils lead visitors and shine in oracy as they entertained members of the public."

The school's Tudor time travellers also paid homage to

stepping into Shakespeare's shoes and taking part in short drama performances.

Not content with ending their educational excursion, pupils then took part in an art project with DESIblitz - a multi-award-winning web-magazine representing British Asian and Desi communities worldwide. Blending drama with diversity and exploring how Shakespeare’s work continues to cross cultural boundaries, pupils learned how to deliver a famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet - ‘To thine own self be true’ - in different South Asian languages before practicing the art of Indian block printing.

BACUP AND RAWTENSTALL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

PUPIL PROMISES TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE AFTER ELECTION SUCCESS

A Year 8 pupil from Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has been selected as Deputy Member of Youth Parliament for Rossendale, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley following the 2024 Youth MP elections.

Following an inspirational campaign targeting three key goals in her manifesto, Connie Hagyard earned enough votes to be selected as a Deputy Member of Youth Parliament. Over one million secondary school pupils took part in the crucial vote that elects members of the UK’s Youth Parliament, which aims to spotlight topics important to young people in

1. My main goal is to make sure that all young people’s voices are heard and acted upon

2. I would also like to help improve the support available to young people around mental health and SEND

3. My final goal is to try to make sure that all children have the UNICEF rights of a child applying to them

In her new position, Connie will attend meetings for Rossendale Youth Council, Lancashire Youth Council and Britain in Bloom. She will even have the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament in London. Connie is now planning her first campaign. ‘MAYS’ – which stands for Mental health, Anti-social behaviour, Young carers and SEND in schools – is designed to support and improve the lives of pupils across Rossendale, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.

Following her election success, Connie said:

I wanted to become involved in Youth Parliament because I feel that many young people struggle in today's society as well as in today's education system and that they should have more of a voice in matters that affect their everyday lives.”

James Johnstone, Principal of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, said:

We are tremendously proud of Connie and her fantastic achievement in being elected as Deputy Member of Youth Parliament. We know that she will fulfil her role in service to her community with professionalism and commitment.”

EDEN BOYS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, BIRMINGHAM EAST

Pioneering partnership powering pupils to brighter futures

Pupils from Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East have been learning valuable new skills and giving back to their community in partnership with a local charity.

Set up in 2006, Our Community Foundation (OCF) offers secondary school pupils the chance to improve their employability and career prospects through vital work experience, training programmes and fun-filled community events.

The award-winning charity has helped over 10,000 young people across Birmingham by offering support with CV writing, interview techniques and Insight Days, where pupils have the ability to experience the world of work with prestigious companies such as international law firm, Gowling WLG.

The pioneering partnership with OCF also enables pupils to participate in crucial campaigns aimed at improving local youth services. The recent campaign ‘Where’s Our Support?’ provided pupils with the chance to learn new skills such as filmmaking, photography and podcasting as well as taking part in trips, go-karting and social events.

OCF delivers the inspirational National Citizen Service across Birmingham, which sees considerate Year 11 pupils contributing to social action projects such as the ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer Campaign’ taking place throughout the city’s Alum Rock area.

Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East recently played host to OCF’s annual community event which was attended by more than 2,000 people. The incredible occasion was made memorable thanks to its delicious food stalls, stunning mehndi decoration, bouncy castle and inflatable fun and exhilarating sports activities – including football, cricket, volleyball, boxing and basketball – as well as a climbing wall that towered over onlookers.

RAINBOW PRIMARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

RAINBOW GOES GREEN AS AUTHOR INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION OF CLIMATE CRUSADERS

Planet preservation and climate consciousness were the topics of the day for Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy pupils, who enjoyed an author-led assembly from Bradford-based writer, Deane Narayn-Lee.

Narayn-Lee's book, 'The Loving Earth', explores the impact humans have on the climate and environment and vocalises the value of protecting our planet. Pupils put him in the hot seat, asking lots of questions about his inspirations for the book and how they themselves can effect environmental change.

Following his assembly, the children’s author led a world-focused writing workshop with Year 5 pupils - penning poetry about climate issues and inspiring the budding environmentalists to consider how their contributions can make their communities - and the wider world - a better place for future generations.

EDEN GIRLS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, MANCHESTER

First female Muslim Lord Mayor empowers pupils with lessons in leadership

The 125th Lord Mayor of Manchester, the first-ever Muslim woman to hold the position, spoke to pupils about her pathway into politics during a visit to Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Manchester.

Pupils learned that career journeys can take many forms when they received a visit from Lord Mayor Yasmine Dar whose route into politics was anything but conventional.

Councillor Dar addressed Year 8 pupils in an engrossing assembly where she discussed the long and winding road that led to her becoming the first-ever Muslim woman to be elected as the Lord Mayor of Manchester in May 2023 – a ceremonial role which is unconnected to the directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position currently held by Andy Burnham.

Pupils listened intently as Councillor Dar explained how she returned to education after several years in the world of work. While caring for her two daughters, Yasmine earned a degree in Social Work from Salford University before she was elected to Manchester City Council in 2014. During the assembly, Councillor Dar said:

Education is for everyone and we should seek it from the cradle to the grave. Look at me, I went to university after having had my children. You can be whatever you want to be. Believe in yourself and aim high.”

Councillor Dar ended her visit on a spectacular sporting high with the generous gift of 100 tickets to attend the Manchester City vs Manchester United Women’s Super League match at the Etihad Stadium.

TONG LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

CADETS CONQUER THE CALF CLIMB

As part of their participation in the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), pupils from Tong Leadership Academy learned the values of discipline, responsibility and resourcefulness with a camping trip and a hike up The Calf - the highest point in the Howgill Fells.

After mastering marches and learning the fundamentals of first aid, the cadets-in-training visited the local Army Reserve Unit to hone their practical skills.

Subsequently, a group of cadets took to the hills for a camping expedition in Bowderdale Beck - a range of hills located between the Lake District fells and the moors and valleys of the northern Yorkshire Dales. Testing their resolve, the fearless cadets were put through their paces with an ascent of The Calf in the Howgills. With an elevation of 676 metres (2,218 ft), The Calf offers breathtaking panoramas of the Howgills and Lakeland Fells.

Camping next to a meandering stream, cadets drew their own water, cooked their own meals and enjoyed experiencing the wonders of wilderness whilst learning valuable leadership skills.

Opening doors to opportunities at Oxford

It was off to Oxford for group of Year 8 pupils who enjoyed an educational excursion to one of the world's most prestigious and picturesque universities.

Opened in 1870, the historic Keble College was the setting for a day designed to provide a taste of what's on offer at the University of Oxford.

After soaking up the college’s rich history and stunning architecture, pupils enjoyed an Aspiring Futures talk and information session from the Oxford University Islamic Society (OUISoc) - one of the university's largest and most active societies. Instilling inspiration, sessions included information about Post-18 education and the opportunities available at the university - particularly the support provided by OUISoc for Muslim students including bursaries, scholarships and prayer facilities.

Following a tour of the college's distinctive red-brick buildings and surrounding grounds, pupils were able to quiz current students on the learning and lifestyle that Keble College provides, before enjoying a lunch in the gothic dining hall which takes the title of the largest in the city.

Pupils then enjoyed an immersion into university life with the subject taster session, 'What is History?' delivered by Dr Petros Spanou. Speaking on the success of the sessions, Salim Ravat, Business Support and Careers Lead for Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham said:

The taster lessons delivered by Dr Spanou were a real highlight of the latest visit. He really engaged pupils in the lesson and encouraged them to think deeply."

After joining students from the Oxford University Islamic Society for Friday congregational prayers, pupils left the picturesque city behind full of hopes, dreams and determination for the future.

Reflecting on the visit, pupil Ibrahim Khan concluded:

The trip was encouraging and motivating, and I'm inspired to make it to the highest level and attend the University of Oxford. Everyone was so friendly and taught me that anyone can get good grades - it only takes effort and hard work."

EDEN BOYS’ SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM

A SILVER LINING FOR SPORTING STARS

Sporting superstars from High Crags Primary Leadership Academy were silver medal winners at the Bradford School Games Primary Panathlon.

Seven promising pupils showcased their skill and stamina at the annual event held by Panathlon, a national charity which gives young people with disabilities and special educational needs the opportunity to take part in competitive sport.

Working together, the High Crags team supported each other through a marathon of activities including Boccia Blast, Tennis Slalom, Parachute Popcorn and Ten Pin Topple. After placing first in a number of activities, it was celebrations all round as the group were awarded second place overall.

Pleased with their silver medal – and determined to take first place next year – the pupils truly triumphed and their tireless displays of teamwork and tenacity shone even HIGH

Exploring all things oracy, the workshop gave Year 9 pupils the chance to engage in activities designed to hone their speaking, listening, vocal and nonverbal communication skills – encouraging them to find their voice and use it confidently.

Designed to cultivate self-assured speakers, active listeners and inspire leaders of the future, insightful feedback sessions enabled participants to reflect on areas for improvement and apply their learnings to everyday experiences in their school day, classroom and beyond.

EDEN BOYS’ SCHOOL, PRESTON

Eden Boys learn how to ‘Talk The Talk’ in oracy workshop

Pupils from Eden Boys’ School, Preston put their communication skills to the test in a workshop provided by national charity, Talk The Talk.

Understanding the importance of effective communication in modern life, Mufti Mubasshir Ahmed, the school’s Book Culture and Literacy Lead, said:

“The oracy workshops have truly made a difference in our pupils' lives. Witnessing their growth in communication skills, from hesitant speakers to confident presenters, has been incredibly rewarding.”

THE OLIVE SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM

GEOGRAPHY IN MOTION WITH HISTORIC MILL AND RIVER EXCURSION

Using history and nature as their classroom, Year 5 pupils from The Olive School, Birmingham embedded their learning with a field trip to a Grade II listed water mill as part of their 'Rivers' geography unit.

Located on the River Cole in Hall Green, Birmingham, Sarehole Mill is the site of a 250-yearold watermill and the perfect place for pupils to discover the wonders of water power in a historic setting.

Blending history with hobbits, the site is also famous for its association with renowned author JRR Tolkien who grew up a mere 300 yards away and frequently explored the mill and surrounding areas - later using them as the inspiration for the Middle-earth he created in his world-famous books 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Treading the same ground as the acclaimed author, pupils discovered how water powers the mill machinery, before following its flow from the mill pond to the River Cole and beyond. Getting to grips with fieldwork equipment, the group took measurements to understand the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the river system - exploring its biodiversity as they waded in the water.

Learning vital information about the variety and vitality of the water's ecosystems and the impact of water quality, the enthusiastic explorers were able to witness first-hand how the machinery of the past contributes to the environment today.

After revelling in all things river related, pupils left the visit with 'whet' appetites for learning and new streams of knowledge.

OULDER HILL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Following the footsteps of the fallen on a journey of remembrance

Pupils paid their respects to fallen First World War soldiers on an educational trip to the battlefields of Belgium and France.

After arriving in Ypres, pupils from Oulder Hill Leadership Academy set off for an evening walk to explore the historic Cloth Hall and magnificent Main Square under the luminous glow of moonlight.

Waking early the next day, the group crossed the border to travel from Belgium to France to see the NeuveChapelle Indian Memorial. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the World War I memorial commemorates the 4,742 Indian and Nepalese soldiers who fell in battle while fighting for the British Indian Army in the First World War. During the visit, Year 9 pupil, Rameen Ali, shared her personally-penned poem in tribute to the fallen heroes.

Returning to Belgium, pupils paid a sombre visit to Hyde Park Corner Cemetery - a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial ground in Belgium for the dead of the First World War, located in the village of Ploegsteert. Discovering the resting place of a fellow Rochdale resident, Private T. Hartley, pupils laid a poppy cross and reflected on the past sacrifices that paved the way for peace.

A visit to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum at Zonnebeke saw pupils walk through a reconstructed dugout and trench. Having recently studied the First World War, seeing the conditions first-hand brought history to life and served as a stark reminder of what life on the frontline would have been like.

After heading to Tyne Cot British Cemetery and identifying 28 Rochdale soldiers - laying personalised poppies to mark their gratitude, respect and recognition - pupils visited the German war cemetery at Langemark before taking their places at Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony.

Heading home via Ypres’ Yorkshire Trench and Dugouts - first discovered in 1992 - and the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, pupils left Belgium behind and enjoyed seeing the iconic White Cliffs of Dover loom into sight on their ferry journey back from Calais.

Contemplative about their commemorative visit, pupils returned to school humbled and honoured to have paid their respects, learnt more about the First World War and had the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of Belgium.

Rebecca Tarran, Director of Learning for Humanities for Oulder Hill Leadership Academy said:

"This visit brought home to our pupils the extent that our own hometown had been affected by war and soldiers from our own area that had been involved. Our guide said that he had never seen a school do commemorations so poignantly and I am so proud of every member of the school group."

EDEN BOYS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, MANCHESTER

Skateboarding Club rolls into action

Pupils at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Manchester are being transformed from beginners to boardmasters with the introduction of an after-school Skateboarding Club.

Adding to its extensive sports enrichment programme, the school recently rolled out the exciting new initiative to its pupils with weekly Friday lessons delivered by Projekts MCR.

With a specialist coach on hand to set the wheels in motion for budding boarders, the skateboarding sessions navigate the complexities of board management, balance and manoeuvrability - with a trick or two thrown in for good measure. The inaugural lesson gave pupils the opportunity to experience the sport for the first time and discover their

hidden talents. As one pupil remarked: “I really enjoyed it. I could skateboard a little bit before, but now I feel more

Anther pupil commented: “I have had a skateboard at home for a while but never really learnt how to skateboard as I didn’t know how to. Now I do!”

The benefits of boarding extend far beyond physical exercise and balance, through the newly launched club, pupils have the chance to develop essential life skills including perseverance, resilience and teamwork.

STARBANK SCHOOL (PRIMARY)

Drama club takes to the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome

Home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and regarded as the busiest single theatre in the United Kingdom, the Birmingham Hippodrome played host to a group of enigmatic entertainers from Starbank School.

As part of an on-going collaboration with the theatre, a group of Year 5 pupils have been showcasing their star power in a weekly afterschool drama club delivered by the Hippodrome Education Network (HEN). Building on skills developed with their teachers, pupils have enjoyed seeing their creative expression elevated under the expertise of professional actors, deepening their understanding of poetry performance and improving their confidence.

After weeks of in-school preparation and practice - collecting ideas, creating plots and getting rhyme-ready with a poetry rap masterclass - the dynamic young drama enthusiasts performed their original creation, 'Monster Cheese', in front of hundreds of local school children at the historic cultural landmark.

HIGHFIELD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

HIGHFIELD HELPERS ILLUMINATE BLACKPOOL'S COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT BCH AWARDS

The stars shone brightly at Blackpool Coastal Housing’s (BCH) community awards ceremony, as Highfield Leadership Academy's 'Highfield Helpers' were honoured with the prestigious Young Leader Award.

Established in 2019, the Highfield Helpers are a group of pupil volunteers dedicated to serving the local community. Their initiatives aim to improve the lives of Blackpool residents, with a particular focus on tackling social isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly and vulnerable.

Since its inception as an intergenerational IT club to boost elderly residents’ confidence when going online, the 'Highfield Helpers' have spearheaded numerous impactful projects that have left a lasting impression on their community.

During the pandemic, the group adapted their efforts by reaching out to isolated individuals and their neighbours with gifts and messages of friendship. Their project 'Kindness Calls' saw members volunteer to make weekly calls to housebound or socially isolated individuals, providing much needed social contact and support.

The group's impact extends beyond the pandemic, with initiatives like ‘Bill’s Kindness Kitchen’, a community pen pal project, and the creation of a friendship club for elderly and vulnerable people in sheltered accommodation. These projects, along with others aimed at supporting local charities and families in need, showcase the Highfield Helpers' dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

At the BCH Awards 2024, the judges praised the Highfield Helpers' exceptional contributions. It was clear that their efforts not only provide invaluable support to Blackpool’s residents, but also help pupils to develop essential communication and leadership skills while building a strong sense of social responsibility.

Pupils Nabil Hasan, Izzy Donno Franklin, Astrid Danaila, Layla-May Lucas, Spencer Willetts, Katie Jones, Maisy Head, Darci Rowcroft, Lola Norris, Jason Shergold and Macy Rathbone received certificates to commemorate their outstanding work. The school also received a trophy in recognition of the Highfield Helpers' collective achievements.

The Highfield Helpers are full of optimism and joy. This enthusiastic group of pupil leaders spread kindness and respect and remind us that every day is an opportunity to be our best and have a positive impact on the lives of others. The Highfield Helpers initiative embodies the academy's values of Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect.”

Joanne Thompson, Lead Practitioner for Pupil and Community Engagement at Highfield Leadership Academy

THE OLIVE SCHOOL, PRESTON

PUPILS’ PEDAL POWER PROMOTES HEALTHY HABITS

Pupils from The Olive School, Preston rediscovered the joy of the school journey and got creative with their commutes as part of Walk to School Week.

The nationwide event, organised by walking charity Living Streets, is designed to help pupils experience the importance of walking to school - promoting healthy habits and discovering the benefits of walking or wheeling their way into the day.

This year's challenge, 'The Magic of Walking', encouraged travelling sustainably to school every day of the week, teaching pupils about five important reasons to get active and the impact it can have, including inclusion, health, mindfulness and friendship.

Walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling their way to the school gates, pupils logged their journeys and reflected on the ways that their contributions could positively impact their health, happiness and the local environment.

The five-day challenge saw pupils discover the magic of movement, the wonder of walking and the benefits that fresh air and fresh perspectives can bring.

TAUHEEDUL ISLAM GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Duke of Edinburgh explorers complete East Lancashire expedition

Pioneering pupils participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award have completed a two-day expedition in preparation for their Bronze Award hike in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Braving the Lancashire weather, Year 10 pupils planned their own routes before embarking on a weekend-long hike, enjoying wild woodland, winding rivers and scenic countryside views.

Following the expedition’s first day, the intrepid adventurers spent a night camping at the Bowley International Scout Campsite and Activity Centre near Blackburn.

The two-day hike served as a trial run for the pupils’ qualifying Bronze Award expedition that will see them venture across the rugged landscapes of the Derbyshire Peak District.

In the eight years since Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School first offered the chance to take part in the Duke

of Edinburgh’s Award, more than 200 pupils have participated in the Bronze Award.

After completing the practice expedition, Year 10 pupil Ayesha Patel said:

The Bronze Award has given me an amazing opportunity and has helped me to develop many important life skills such as resilience, teamwork and communication.”

Afira Mulla, Teacher of Physical Education at Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School, added:

The expedition gives pupils a real camping and hiking experience, creating lifelong memories, making lasting friendships and growing in confidence and independence.”

THORNBURY PRIMARY LEADERSHIP

ACADEMY

Para-athlete powerlifter inspires rising stars

Hearts were pumping as pupils participated in a morning of fun-filled sporting activities presented by an inspirational para-athlete.

Sean Gaffney, who has competed at both the Commonwealth Games and Invictus Games, visited Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy as part of a Sports for Schools outreach event aimed at motivating pupils to increase their physical activity.

After leading pupils through a selection of fun and energetic exercises, Sean delivered an aspirational assembly where he spoke about his time in the Royal Navy, the accident that led to him losing his left leg, his battles with cancer and the exciting experiences that come with life as a para-athlete powerlifter.

The event, which formed part of the school’s Rising Stars programme, not only taught pupils about the importance of physical activity and overcoming adversity, but also raised money for sports equipment.

Since Sports for Schools was founded in 2013, the social enterprise initiative has helped schools across the country to raise over £5 million for sports equipment and facilities.

After taking part in the inspirational event, Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy pupil Rashel said:

It was brilliant! Sean talked us through his time in the Navy and said that his number one rule was to never give up. His number two rule was to follow the number one rule!”

EDEN BOYS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, BRADFORD

FRUITFUL PROJECT FOR BRADFORD ECO TEAM

A green-fingered team of Year 7 pupils have been busy in the school grounds cultivating their own orchard with help from Grow to School - a Huddersfield-based Community Interest Company.

The school's Eco Team explored the school spaces available for their environmental efforts and, after careful assessment and measurement, decided to explore the opportunities of creating a school orchard.

Since its inception, the Eco Team has undertaken various activities and training including learning how to use various garden tools, getting to grips with different soils and how to measure, dig and cultivate the right environment for their fruit trees to flourish.

The project, designed to encourage pupils to develop a better understanding of nature, has also extended beyond the school boundaries as the group spent a successful day planting over 100 trees in the Yorkshire Dales in conjunction with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

Back on home soil, following the plantation of five apple saplings, Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford's own orchard is blooming with the addition of cherry trees, plum trees and a collection of currant bushes.

Robina Naznine, Principal at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford, said:

We are extremely proud of the Eco Team's perseverance and resilience - especially when the weather was unkind. They truly demonstrated our STAR values of teamwork and ambition to achieve their vision.

This project reminded our pupils of the beauty of creation and how to help preserve it by planting for the future.”

BAY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

BRIGHT FOOTBALL FUTURE FOR SPORTING SUPERSTAR

A Year 9 pupil from Bay Leadership Academy is hoping to kick off a career in football after scoring a two-year contract with Preston North End.

Hardworking and polite in the classroom and talented and dedicated on the football pitch, Morgan Jackson first signed with the Lancashire football club last year and, one year on, has been rewarded with a new two-year academy contract.

As a Sports Leader at Bay Leadership Academy, Morgan is a trained volunteer who assists with the delivery of sports initiatives both at school and in the local community, helping to inspire fellow pupils to get involved in physical activity.

Based in Morecambe, Bay Leadership Academy is the only school in the area to offer the nationally recognised Football Scholars Programme. This allows pupils like Morgan to benefit from professional coaching through the Matrix Coaching Programme, which was set up by Charlie Jackson, a UEFA-qualified coach currently working at Manchester City.

Branching out to share inclusivity insights across the North West

In recognition of its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, The Olive School, Blackburn is the proud recipient of the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.

The school received the IQM Inclusive School Award, which recognises a continued commitment to outstanding levels of inclusive best practice, following the submission of a comprehensive review and a range of evidence showcasing its inclusive practices and a two-day visit from an IQM inspector.

Impressed with how the school embraces the diversity of its community - nurturing compassionate, confident and empathetic young individuals - and the exceptional teaching strategies utilised to meet diverse pupil needs, inspectors awarded the school IQM status in recognition of its deep-rooted inclusive and equitable practices.

Buoyed by their success, the school then applied for - and subsequently received - Centre of Excellence status. This deserved designation will see the school serve as a hub for other schools in the North West - enabling it to extend the olive branch of its expertise and guidance to develop fully inclusive classrooms across the region.

Read the full report from IQM here.

EDEN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, COVENTRY

CHAMPION SPIRITS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS FOR NETBALL GLORY

53 pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Coventry battled the elements, and other teams, in a memorable PGL Netball Tour.

Taking place across a wet and wild weekend, pupils and staff arrived at PGL Boreatton Park in Shrewsbury before bedding down to prepare for an early start and an actionpacked day of netball competition against schools from across the country.

Teams from all year groups were on the court throughout the day and wins were shared between them all as the girls showed incredible spirit by playing on despite horrendous weather conditions on the outdoor courts.

Following the round-robin league stage, the Year 9, 8A and 8B teams all progressed to the semi-finals, going on to win bronze medals in the hard-fought contest.

Team 8B battled bravely against County Durham’s Woodham Academy but lost out against an incredibly skilful team. The Year 9 team put their bodies on the line, but couldn’t prevent a valiant loss against Rainhill High School from St Helens.

Meanwhile, Team 8A put on a heroic performance in their semi-final, also against Rainhill, as their game went to extra time. Sadly, however, the girls lost to a ‘golden goal,’ where the first team to score wins the game.

Year 8 pupil Aicha Rahimi said:

PGL was a wonderous adventure, it was competitive and enjoyable. Although we walked away with bronze medals, we grew as a team and will strive for silver or better next year!”

STARBANK SCHOOL (SECONDARY)

Pupils participate in a battle of the bots!

Minds raced and sparks flew as pupils put their scientific skills to the test in a thrilling robotics workshop.

Pupils at Starbank School (Secondary) participated in an engaging event hosted by PrepareRobo - a company that delivers beginner robotics courses to schools across the country.

The workshop taught pupils how to build their very own robots using Lego Mindstorms kits and programme them using a basic coding language.

Pupils were captivated throughout the event as they put their scientific and engineering skills to the test, before roaring with excitement during the Robot Wars-inspired finale where their meticulously mechanised creations clashed in a thrilling bot battle.

BARKEREND PRIMARY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

PUPILS PEDAL, LEAP AND STROLL THROUGH ACTION-PACKED ACTIVITIES

As wet and wild weather gives way to warmer and sunnier days, pupils from Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy have been venturing outdoors for a range of exhilarating activities.

BMX racing, invigorating obstacle courses and wellbeing-inspired walk to school challenges have been on the agenda to get pupils’ pulses racing through the Creating Active Schools initiative.

Donning full face helmets and protective gloves, pupils explored the thrilling turns, crests and jumps of Bradford BMX track in a fun-filled event supported by Ready Steady Pedal, an organisation that offers cycling proficiency lessons to pupils of all ages and abilities.

Both pupils and staff were able to take part in intensive training sessions provided by Commando Joe’s – an education programme provider – helping to build character and highlight the importance of physical activity. Working together, participants tackled challenging obstacle courses, puzzling parachute games and teetering tower building exercises.

Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy also played host to Strider, the foot-shaped mascot of Living Streets – a charity which organises walk to school campaigns across the country. The larger-than-life character posed for photos and reminded pupils that walking to school can help to keep them fit, healthy and happy.

EDEN BOYS’ SCHOOL, BOLTON

WILLIAMS F1 VISIT INSPIRES ENGINEERS OF THE FUTURE

It was ‘lights out and away we go’ for pupils of Eden Boys’ School, Bolton as they steered through a once in a lifetime trip to Williams Racing’s Formula 1 factory.

40 petrolhead pupils were delighted at the opportunity to visit the Oxfordshire home of one of F1’s longest-serving and mostsuccessful teams.

Eden Boys’ School, Bolton was one of a select group of schools invited to participate in the STEM enrichment day which gave pupils the chance to learn about the cutting-edge science that goes into designing one of the fastest cars in the world.

Pupils looked on in awe as they were given an unforgettable tour of the vast collection of F1 cars and race memorabilia on display, exploring how technology, safety and aerodynamics has advanced over the five decades that Williams has competed at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Aspiring engineers among the group picked up new skills and experiences to cherish for life in a workshop where they were tasked with programming autonomous vehicles to follow the layout of famous racetracks, such as the home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone.

The enthusiastic pupils stepped into the shoes of an F1 driver in a thrilling simulator session in Williams’ esports lounge where the budding racers competed against each other for pole position as they grappled with the simulated 1,000 horsepower race cars.

Following the sensational trip, Year 8 pupil M Ammaar Nasir said:

The trip was so exciting! It was an opportunity that I would never have had if it wasn't for our school.”

Sweet victory for The Apple Besties

In the grand setting of Ascot Racecourse, where royalty and racing intertwine, a different kind of competition unfolded as budding young chefs gathered for the prestigious Ascot & 1711 Bake-Off finals, infusing a royal twist into their culinary creations.

Armed with aprons and aspirations, 14 teams of pupils from schools across East Berkshire embraced the challenge to craft tasty traybakes fit for the racecourse’s most prestigious event – Royal Ascot. They were asked to concoct a delectable delight using locally sourced produce and present a moodboard showcasing the thought process behind each design. Among the contenders were three talented Year 7 pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Slough. Musfirah Mobeen, Aisha Mohammed and Salma Shameer – aptly named ‘The Apple Besties’ – wowed the judges with their irresistible applebased traybake.

Under the discerning gaze of Gemma Amor and Matthew Humphreys from the racecourse’s hospitality and catering arm, 1711, and celebrity pâtissier Eric Lanlard, The Apple Besties’ creation stood out for its tantalising taste and impressive presentation. The team were crowned winners of the Senior Bake-Off and earned a coveted spot for their traybake on the menu of Ascot’s Summer Mile Family Raceday.

The cherry on top was an invitation to an exclusive afternoon tea, where the young chefs savoured the fruits of their labour amid the elegance of Ascot Racecourse.

Their victory was a testament to the girls’ teamwork, confidence and culinary prowess, nurtured by the Food Technology department at Eden Girls’ School, Slough.

THE VALLEY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

STEM skills event inspires the next generation of innovators

Future-focus was on full throttle with pupils revved up and ready for South Yorkshire's largest skills event - ‘Get up to Speed with STEM’.

The annual, one-day showcase event - organised by employer-led charity, the Work-Wise Foundation - presented pupils from The Valley Leadership Academy with the opportunity to learn about some of the UK’s most exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) innovations and meet the people who design, build and operate them.

Joining over five and a half thousand pupils and educators at Rotherham's Magna Science Adventure Centre, the school group took part in problem solving challenges and interactive activities designed to give young people a unique insight into careers available in STEM.

With STEM skills essential for the changing global economy and workforce, the event showcased the wide variety of career options available to young people, whilst giving pupils the opportunity to speak to apprentices, employees and business owners about the career pathways they could take.

Gaining valuable insights into the real-world applications of their classroom learning, pupils experimented with cutting-edge technologies, participated in interactive demonstrations, programmed robots and explored renewable energy solutions.

The budding scientists, engineers and innovators left the day inspired, invigorated and invested in their futures.

THE OLIVE SCHOOL, HACKNEY

Masters of MULTILINGUALISM

Celebrating diversity and experiencing cultures from around the world, pupils at The Olive School, Hackney are, once again, lauded for their linguistic leadership.

Enthusiastically embarking on a journey of cultural exploration from Reception through to Year 6, pupils' language proficiency is positively soaring as they learn two languages - Arabic and French.

Consistently dominating the monthly leaderboards in the UK-wide Languagenut competitions, language mastery materialised further as pupils Abdallah Sharif, Fatima Benalia and Israa Colman were selected as winners of the 2024 British Council Arabic Speaking Competition. Competing against over 500 applicants from 60 schools across the UK, they dazzled a discerning panel of judges with a two-minute virtual presentation in Modern Standard Arabic and a flurry of fluent responses to the panel’s interview questions. After careful evaluation of their communication skills, pronunciation and command of vocabulary and grammar, the judges selected the three Hackney pupils amongst a group of just 31 national winners, who have all been invited to attend a prestigious award ceremony at Oxford University.

The school’s annual Arabic and French Language and Culture Days are eagerly anticipated events involving the whole school community. The Arabic Day was an awe-inspiring fusion of art, poetry, music, food and traditional dress, culminating in an evening show featuring captivating performances by pupils and live music from Arabic artists that showcased the richness and diversity of Arabic culture. Equally inspiring was French Day, where pupils indulged in culinary delights, participated in special assemblies, and unleashed their inner Monet through arts and crafts. From building Eiffel Tower replicas to savouring croissants and crêpes, every activity is a testament to the beauty of French language and culture. C'est magnifique!

SMALL HEATH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Pupil’s prehistoric poems are a roaring success

A pupil from Small Heath Leadership Academy will have his work published after penning a pair of prehistoric poems about encounters with a terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex.

Recognising the creative talents of the Year 7 pupil, the school entered two poems by Muhammad Kabiru Yabo into a pair of competitions held by Young Writers, an educational organisation that celebrates the wonderous writing of young people.

Muhammad’s work was entered into the competitions called ‘Through Their Eyes’, where entrants had to imagine stepping into someone else’s shoes, and ‘Once Upon A Dream’, which saw writers dream up a poem about a fantasy creature, petrifying nightmare or their real-life hopes and ambitions.

A dinosaur devotee, Muhammad’s poems invited readers on a journey to the Cretaceous period for a meeting with the T-Rex- one of the most fearsome animals of all time. In Muhammad’s poem ‘A T-Rex’s Joy’, readers encountered the enormous creature as it hungrily hunted for its next meal and, in ‘The T-Rex and Me’, the prehistorically passionate pupil imagined the prospect of being hunted by the colossal carnivore.

The poems will be published in the books ‘Through Their Eyes - The Other Side’ and ‘Once Upon a Dream - Twilight Whispers’, with Small Heath Leadership Academy receiving complimentary copies of both, which will be proudly displayed in the school library.

Following his success in the competition, Muhammad Kabiru Yabo said:

I was shocked when I realised that my writing had been selected to be published. I couldn’t believe I was one of the only people who won this opportunity. I was really happy to hear the news and share it with everyone at home.”

Young Writers has worked with more than 20,000 schools since it was founded in 1991 and holds a variety of competitions throughout the academic year, giving pupils like Muhammad the chance to have their writing published in books, whether in the form of poetry or creative writing.

EDEN GIRLS' LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, BIRMINGHAM

BIG IDEAS FROM BIRMINGHAM'S GREEN-THINKING GIRLS

Talented teams from Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Birmingham impressed the judges in an eco-conscious competition.

The award-winning Big Ideas Programme, hosted by Solutions for the Planet, is a national STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and enterprise programme focused on finding creative solutions to sustainability issues. It encourages young people and businesses to join forces and work together to shape a more sustainable world and create opportunities for young voices to not only be heard, but acted upon.

Inspired to create big solutions to big problems, four groups from Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Birmingham entered their creative concepts into the Big Ideas Competition and all four advanced to the Central England Regional Finals. Focused on finding creative solutions to sustainability issues, each team proposed a different business idea that mixed their skills and imagination with an environmentally responsible approach.

THE FOUR REGIONAL FINALIST EDEN GIRLS' TEAMS:

Eco-Collect

A sponsored litter pick in local schools where pupils compete to see who can collect the most litter for prizes.

Eco-Extract

A campaign to encourage the government to invest in Biomining which uses bacteria to extract metal instead of traditional. mining.

Eco-Tap

A tap which is linked to a sensor which tells you how much water you are using to create awareness about wasting water.

FRESH

A car filter that takes the carbon dioxide out of the car emissions and repurposes it into other uses.

The planet-protecting pupils put forward their visions for a brighter, sustainable future. Pupil Rumaysa Kacmaz from the 'FRESH' team said: “Helping the planet is something that affects us daily and I believe that we should all contribute to saving it, whether the impact is small or big.”

All four teams impressed a panel of judges at the Central England Regional Finals, held at Birmingham's STEAMhouse innovation centre, with team 'Eco-Collect' awarded runners up for their litter pick initiative.

Proud of the pupils' achievements and ambitions, Billie-Jade Birks, Teacher of Geography at Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Birmingham said: “The Big Ideas programme offers students the opportunity to develop many transferable skills that they will use in all aspects of their life. I have seen these pupils grown in confidence and really take charge of their projects.”

THE OLIVE SCHOOL, BOLTON

Algebra aces make learning count in a fun-filled day of Mathematics

The magic of maths was in the spotlight as The Olive School, Bolton mixed fractions with fun as part of a special event for National Numeracy Day.

Celebrating 'All Things Maths', the school's Super Learning Day saw pupils partake in a series of activities, quizzes and games centred around embedding the importance of numeracy.

Staff and pupils got creative with costumes and added novelty to numbers for a delightful day discovering the origins of maths and the famous mathematicians that have shaped the methods we still use in the modern age.

Equations and excitement went hand-in-hand as pupils created their own maths games and puzzles and competed for the coveted 'Maths Whizz' crown.

Reflecting on the successes of the day, Shema Patel, Assistant Principal at The Olive School, Bolton, said:

“Events like these make it easier for pupils to understand tricky mathematical concepts and they spent the day working with their classmates, learning from each other and tackling complex problems together. By the end of the day, pupils felt more confident about their maths skills and it was brilliant to see them experiencing and enjoying the subject in a different way.“

STAR SALFORD ACADEMY

SALFORD STARS TRIUMPH AS NEW ACADEMY HOSTS FIRST FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Star Salford Academy hosted its first-ever football tournament, with members of its Year 7 team emerging victorious against their new local rivals.

On a day boasting beautifully bright weather, pupils’ footballing prowess and the brand-new facilities at Star Salford Academy were put to the test as the academy welcomed players from Irlam and Cadishead Academy for a competitive feast of football.

With a Year 7 squad featuring 24 players, Star Salford Academy entered three teams of eight into the sevena-side tournament and each of them represented their school with pride.

Congratulations to the winning team - comprising of Ryan, Alex, Oliver, Charlie, Joshua, Travis, Alex and Luke – who secured victory in the round robin tournament, earning their place in the sporting history of Star Salford Academy.

TAUHEEDUL ISLAM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Nurturing leaders of the future and ideas for a better tomorrow

From social enterprise and Duke of Edinburgh awards to Scouts and cadets, in the bustling halls of Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS), the spirit of service and leadership thrives.

One of the school’s guiding stars is Year 13 student and Head Boy Muhammed Karbhari. Recently honoured with the prestigious High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award 2024, he emerged as the frontrunner among 50 inspiring young finalists for his significant impact on the community, receiving a £500 prize, trophy and certificate at the awards ceremony at Lancashire Police Headquarters.

Muhammed's business initiative ‘Uniformity’ began as a beacon of hope for those in need of affordable school uniforms. Through this student-led social enterprise, old uniforms find new life – meticulously cleaned, ironed and packaged for resale at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Income from the enterprise not only covers laundry expenses but also provides financial support to TIBHS’ food bank, aiding vulnerable families in the local community.

In addition to Muhammed’s remarkable achievement, fellow TIBHS students Hamzah Hasan and Muhammad Abdulrashid were also recognised as finalists for The High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award, achieving well-deserved recognition for their exemplary dedication to volunteering and community service.

Another noteworthy accomplishment is that of Shoyub Desai, a Year 12 student and cadet. Shoyub recently reached a significant milestone within the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) by completing the formidable Senior Cadet Instructional Cadre (SCIC) at Altcar Training Camp – a rigorous and demanding course that stands as the pinnacle of cadet achievement. Shoyub's dedication and exceptional performance earned him a commendable pass, making him the first cadet from TIBHS to achieve this honour. His award was presented by Vicky Beer, the Department for Education’s North West Regional Director, during her recent visit to the school. In recognition of his accomplishment, Shoyub has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, entrusting him with guiding and mentoring the next generation of cadets.

Through these diverse and impactful enrichment activities, TIBHS continues to nurture well-rounded individuals who lead and serve their communities with integrity and compassion.

LAISTERDYKE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Rugby team puts on performance to be proud of

Laisterdyke Leadership Academy’s Year 9 boys rugby team put on a valiant display as they reached the finals of the Inspired by 9s Bradford Bulls Rugby League Tournament.

Hosted by the Bulls Foundation - the official charity of Bradford Bulls Rugby League Football Club - the tournament pitted teams from schools across the region against each other in a fiercely fought contest.

Taking to the pitch on Bradford Bulls’ home soil at Odsal

Stadium, the Year 9 team played with flair and worked relentlessly to secure a well-deserved second place. Despite disappointment at not taking the top spot, pupils put on a performance to be proud of and displayed exceptional teamwork to reach the final.

EDEN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, WALTHAM FOREST

Pupil’s prawn-inspired essay is ‘SHRIMPLY’ the best!

Year 10 pupil Aaila Ahmed has secured an invitation to the prestigious Young Science Writers Awards Ceremony after her essay submission placed within the top 10 entries nationally.

Aaila was one of several pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest to enter the renowned competition, which tasks budding scientists with writing an 800-word essay on a scientific theme.

Also entering the competition were Juwairia, who wrote about AI (artificial intelligence) and the consequences of its use, and Maimunah, who penned a paper on the science of parthenogenesis and its potential application to humans.

Displaying a laudable level of research and weaving in facts with accomplished storytelling, Aaila earned a place among the 10 most highly commended entries for her paper on ‘The Illuminating World of Shrimpoluminescence’.

From classroom to coastline, Aaila’s work delved into the mystifying realm of marine biology, exploring a unique behaviour of pistol shrimp known as sonoluminescence - a strange phenomenon that occurs when a pistol shrimp snaps its claw shut, causing a jet of water to shoot out so quickly that it emits a bang and flash of light.

After impressing the judges with her vivid descriptions and meticulous research, Aaila has been awarded £100 and has been invited to attend the Young Science Writer Awards Ceremony which will be held at The Royal Institution in London.